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January 8th, 2009
Nightforce has unveiled its new NXS 2.5-10x32mm compact scope. Made in the USA, this scope was created to answer the requests of hunters for greater low-light capability in a compact, lightweight optic. The NXS 2.5-10×32 measures 12″ long and weighs just 19 ounces. The new NXS 2.5-10×32 has a larger exit pupil than the 2.5-10×24 NXS. This improves light transmission and allows faster target acquisition. Both compact scopes are bright and rugged. In fact, Nightforce compact NXS scopes were originally created for the U.S. Special Forces for use with night-vision devices.
Shown with optional ZeroStop and windage limiter turrets.
 Multiple Choices for Elevation/Windage Click Values
The NXS 2.5-10×32 is available with fully enclosed hunting-style turrets with 1/4-MOA clicks, or exposed target-style turrets with either 1/4-MOA clicks, 0.1 Mil-Rad clicks, or 1.0 MOA elevation + .5 MOA windage adjustments. The target-style turrets include the Nightforce ZeroStop control. This allows quick return to zero regardless of previous elevation adjustments.
New Ballistic Reticles for Compact NXS Scopes
Three new ballistic reticles are also being offered with Nightforce 2.5-10×32 and 2.5-10×24 NXS Compacts. Designed for hunting to 600 yards, the family of reticles are based upon a common NP-1 design, but with three different configurations for high, medium, and low-velocity cartridges respectively. Among the three reticles, you’ll find one that adapts well to most common hunting cartridges.
The ballistic reticles are designed to be sighted-in at 200 yards. Elevation lines are marked in 50-yard intervals to 600 yards, including a 100-yard mark.This gives you the ability to quickly hold-over in known intervals, so you can engage targets at multiple distances without cranking your scope knobs. With the new reticles, windage compensation is also marked in 5 and 10 MPH increments–so you can quickly respond to wind changes by shifting to a hash mark left or right of center. Nightforce claims that this “smart reticle” system has been proven to be up to twice as fast as traditional rangefinding reticles.
For more info, contact Nightforce Optics in Idaho, (208) 476-9814, or visit Nightforceoptics.com. At the 2009 SHOT Show, Nightforce has booth #9381.
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January 7th, 2009
Here’s an innovative and handsome piece of workmanship by Cayle Davis, whose company, C&J Machine, builds advanced rests for precision pistols. Shown below is a brand new barrel-block pistol on one of Cayle’s rests. Cayle tells us: “Here’s another project I just finished today. It’s a barrel clamp pistol, built on an XP-100 action, with a Hart 2 oz. trigger. The action is completely floated. The gun is chambered as a 22-250 Ackley Improved with a .250″ neck. Fitted is a 1:7″ twist, 1.2″-diameter, straight-contour, 18″ Douglas barrel. I think this may be a first… I hope it shoots!”
To learn more about this gun, or if you’re interested in the one-piece rest, contact Cayle via email: xpfuzz [at] consolidated.net, or you can write to the address below:
Cayle Davis — C & J Machine
Box 18
Palmer, IL 62556
Phone: (217) 827-0588
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January 7th, 2009
There are some nice items up for sale right now in our Forum Classifieds at tempting prices, with gunsmithing done by some of America’s top smiths. Here are a couple highlights from the Classifieds. The first is a barrel-block long-range gun smithed by Jerry Simison. The second is a high-power stock crafted by Alex Sitman.
6-6.5×47 Long-Range Rifle with Barrel Block
Bill B. (aka “338 Laz”) is offering a handsome 6mm Coyote (6.5×47 Lapua necked to 6mm) long-range rifle with a barrel block. This gun was chambered by Jerry Simison, (218) 532-7007, with barrel block and fitting By Tony Larson (both highly respected smiths). The gun features a Remington 721 action, and a Krieger 1:8″ twist barrel, with .275″ chamber neck. Bill reports: “I used it for my first year at 1000-yard benchrest shooting. Won a match with it and was always in the running I did my part. It has about 500 rounds through it. Comes with Brass. Jerry’s will make some dies for you if you want.” The price is $1600.00. Email bill.behnke [at] yahoo.com for questions. CLICK HERE for more pictures.
Master Class High Power Stock (left-hand)
Here’s a selection for you South-Paws. You may know that Alex Sitman of Master Class Stocks does some of the best stock-work in the country. But his work is in high demand so you can expect to wait months for custom projects. Here’s a High Power match stock that sold for $900 new. It’s now offered for just $495. Seller SwedeJohn reports “This stock has been shortened somewhat and the cheek piece has been sanded. It is bedded for Rem 700 Short Action.” Email fiveptjon [at] aol.com with questions. CLICK HERE for more photos.
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January 7th, 2009
 Next week, at SHOT Show, Timney Triggers will introduce a new single-stage, drop-in trigger for the popular Ruger 10/22 rimfire rifle. The Timney 10/22 trigger will retail for $149.99 and is available for purchase immediately. Here’s the good news. The trigger should be smooth and crisp, as it features Teflon-nickel coated internals, cut with ultra-precise, state-of-the art EDM equipment. The Timney 10/22 trigger is “Made in the USA” and carries a lifetime warranty.
The bad news? On Timney’s web site, the trigger pull weight is listed at three (3) pounds. Timney has not revealed whether the pull weight can be adjusted down from that level. If not, somebody should send the engineers at Timney “back to the drawing board”.
Disappointing 3-pound Trigger Pull
No matter how “smooth and crisp”, a 3-pound pull is not a huge improvement over a factory Ruger trigger. At $149.99, the new Timney 10/22 trigger costs nearly half as much as a bare-bones 10/22 rifle. Will shooters pay this much for a 3-pound trigger?
Consider that Volquartsen’s HP Action Kit for the 10/22 costs $125.00, and will take the Ruger trigger down to about 2.25 pounds. The Volquartsen unit also features an EDM-machined disconnector and sear, plus a target trigger with overtravel adjustment.
Timney may have “missed the boat” on this one. If we were to market a trigger upgrade for a 10/22 we’d want the unit to adjust down to 1.5 pounds or less. Certainly there may be shortcomings in the 10/22’s basic design that make it difficult to go this low, but why bother to bring out a fairly pricey aftermarket trigger, if 3 pounds is the best it can do?
Other New Trigger Designs for 2009
Since last March, Timney has asked shooters: “What trigger would you like us to build next?” This year’s “Customer’s Choice” Timney Triggers will be Mosin Nagant and Husqvarna replacement triggers. Both will be offered for sale in Spring 2009.For more information on Timney Triggers’ line of over 75 replacement triggers, call 1-866-4TIMNEY, or visit TimneyTriggers.com.
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January 6th, 2009
Next week, NSSF’s 2009 SHOT Show will open in Orlando, Florida. Spanning more than 700,000 square feet of exhibition space, the show will bring together exhibitors, buyers and media from around the globe. AccurateShooter.com will be covering the show, providing exclusive photos, interviews, and “first look” reviews of the latest products. Asst. Editor Jason Baney will be working the show for us. We’ve been advised to expect important news from Lapua, Alliant, Hodgdon, Stiller Precision, and some of the major optics makers.
The show officially kicks off Thursday, Jan. 15 at 8:30 am, but Jason will arrive in Orlando a day early to attend the “Media Day” demonstration event at the Orlando Sheriff’s range. Jason will get to field-test new firearms from major manufacturers.
SHOT Show Online Navigator Available
If you’re headed to the show in Orlando, you’ll want to get a floorplan layout. There are so many exhibitors, it’s wise to map out your “plan of attack” in advance. The SHOT Show website features an interactive Online Navigator that allows you to search companies by name, booth, and directory category, so you easily find any exhibitor. Choose a company and you can zoom/pan the Navigator to locate the booth. That makes it much easier to plan your agenda efficiently, and spend less time back-tracking. Using the Navigator, you can easily map all the companies and exhibits you want to see, and create a show agenda that targets your key points of interest.
Regular Updates on Shotshow.org
The official SHOT Show website, www.shotshow.org, will be updated regulary throughout the show. If you’re into mobile computing, you can sign up for Twitter updates for your cell phone or PDA. To get text updates, simply text the words “Follow NSSFComm” to 40404.
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January 6th, 2009
 Hodgdon® Powder Company has just announced the acquisition of Goex Powder, Inc., the sole source of American-made black powder. Goex Powder manufactures black powder used for sporting applications, historical re-enactments, and black-powder firearms. Black powder also remains a vital component for fireworks, industrial and military applications.
Goex makes a variety of products for shooters including multiple grades of black powder, Pinnacle black powder substitute, and ‘Black Dawge’ pre-loaded black powder cartridges for hunting, long-range competition, and cowboy action shooting.
Located in Minden, Louisiana, GOEX Powder, Inc. is the only U.S. manufacturer of black powder. The company has over a 200-year history of black powder manufacturing in the United States. “Goex is a proud American business with a rich history” announced Tom Shepherd, President and CEO. “In 1802, E.I. Du Pont de Nemours broke ground on his original black powder plant along the Brandywine River in Delaware.” For more info, visit GoexPowder.com, or write to Goex Powder, 6231 Robinson, Shawnee Mission, KS 66202.
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January 5th, 2009
 Gary Eliseo of Competition Shooting Stuff has been busy lately. A month ago, we showcased his new S1TubeGun Kit for Savage actions. Gary’s done it again. He’s just started shipping his latest creation, the new RT-10 TubeGun kit, a long-action, mag-fed design that will hold regular or magnum rounds. Gary explains: “The RT10 was designed from the start as the basis for the ultimate tactical/long range precision rifle. It comes finished in super-tough type III hard coat. Employing a 10-round center feed enclosed box magazine with a maximum C.O.L. of 3.33″, the RT-10 can feed the 300 Win Mag but also feeds the .308 perfectly. The hand-guard has four modular accessory rails and is attached very rigidly specifically for use with a bipod.”
Ace prone shooter German Salazar received one of the first RT-10s and he’s impressed. German told us: “Just finished getting this together this morning. My RT-10 features a Remington 700 LH long action and CG trigger. Gunsmith Clark Fay did the barrel work (30-06), trued the action, and did a few other things which I’ll detail in an upcoming article. The magazines hold 10 rounds and will feed any 30-06 or magnum that’s not longer than a 30-06. I’ll mount some sights on it tonight and start shooting it tomorrow!”
WEB Contacts for RT-10
Gary Eliseo: CompetitionShootingStuff.com
Clark Fay: ClarksRifles.com
CG trigger: X-Tremeshooting.com
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January 5th, 2009
 During load development, it’s important to check cases for signs of over-pressure. While you need to pay attention of a variety of factors, such as primer flattening and stiffer bolt lift, one sure sign of over-pressure is excessive case swelling at the web. A quick and easy way to monitor this is to bring a shell-holder (for your rim size) with you to the range. If a fired case won’t slide into the shell-holder easily, the diameter of the extractor groove has grown excessively and you know your load is much too hot… you’re way over-pressure.
Take note — if you get to the point that your case is hard to slide into a case-holder, your load is way hotter than it should be. So consider this an “extreme” measuring method. You should watch for other signs of pressure as well. As a rough rule of thumb, if we had a case that would not fit easily into the shell-holder, we would reduce the charge by at least 3/4 grain in a small case and 1.5 grains in a magnum case (and you may need to back-off the load further).
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January 4th, 2009
AccurateShooter.com offers dozens of FREE, printable targets for target practice, load development, and fun shooting. We also offer a few samples of the most popular NRA Bullseye targets. One or more of these printable targets should work for most training purposes. However, some readers have asked “where can we get the real targets… exactly like the ones used in NRA, IBS and NBRSA shooting matches?”
Sources for Official Shooting Competition Targets
Here are four sources for official match targets: ALCO Target Company, American Target Company, National Target Company, and Pistoleer.com. All four of these vendors carry nearly all the NRA High Power and Smallbore targets, including the new, smaller F-Class Targets. All three sources also have international 300m and 300m-reduced-to-300-yards targets. Other NRA-licensed target vendors are
Central Target Company (Kentucky), (502) 895-3390; and U.S. Target Company (Michigan), (800) 746-6836.
National Target and Pistoleer.com sell IBS targets for rimfire (50 yard) benchrest, short-range centerfire Benchrest (100, 200, 300 yards), Hunter BR Rifle (100, 200, 300 yards), plus the official 600-yard and 1000-yard IBS targets. Neither National Target nor Pistoleer.com lists a separate line of NBRSA targets, but we are told that National Target supplies NBRSA matches.
| Available Official Competition Targets |
| Vendor |
NRA High Power |
F-Class |
NRA Smallbore |
Air Rifle/Pistol |
IBS |
NBRSA |
Other |
ALCO Target
Company |
Yes, All |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Archery, IDPA, IPSC, Police, Realistic, Shoot-N-C, Silhouette, Fun Targets, Pasters. |
American Target
Company |
Yes, All |
Yes |
Yes, All |
Yes |
No |
No |
USBR, Sight-in, Muzzle-Loading, Police Silhouette |
National Target
Company |
Yes, Nearly All |
Yes |
Yes, All |
Yes |
Yes |
On Request |
IDPA, IPSC, FBI, Police Silhouette, Sight-in, Target Backers, Pasters |
| Pistoleer.com |
Yes, Nearly All |
Yes |
Yes, most and color training |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Bianchi, FBI, IBS, IDPA, IPSC, Silhouette, Archery, Pasters |
ALCO Target Co.
Ph: (626) 358-4814
2048 Central Ave.
Duarte, CA 91010 |
American Target Co.
Ph: (877) 733-0433
1328 South Jason St.
Denver, CO 80223 |
National Target Co.
Ph: (800) 827-7060
3958-D Dartmouth Ct.
Frederick, MD 21703 |
Pistoleer.com
Ph: (618) 288-4588
12 Schiber Court
Maryville, IL 62062 |
Alternate NBRSA Target Source
NBRSA 600-yard and 1000-yard targets are also available from Karl Huntstiger, wfo13 [at] aol.com, 2901 E. Cortez Street, Phoenix, AZ 85068. We are informed that Karl gets the targets from NationalTarget.com. But if an item is out of stock with National Target you can contact Karl — he’ll know where to find what you need.
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January 4th, 2009
 Most “tactical” shooters are already familiar with the Pod-Loc, created by Terry Cross (KMW Long Range Solutions). But varminters and our foreign readers may not know about this product, a simple adjustable handle that makes a world of difference when shooting a Harris swivel bipod.
The Pod-Loc is a “must-have” accessory for anyone using a Harris swivel-model (S-series) bipod. This unique device (priced about $25.00) transforms a Harris Swivel into an easy-to-use platform for target-shooting or varminting. The Pod-Loc cures the one major flaw of Harris Swivel bipods — the tensioning system. It is very difficult to dial out all “bipod flop” using the standard Harris tensioning knob. You just can’t get enough torque on the standard knurled swivel adjuster without resorting to a pair of pliers, and that would mar the metal. The Pod-Loc solves that problem with a short handle providing more leverage. With one hand, you can lock the bipod rock-solid, and just as easily reduce tension any time you want.
Using the Pod-Loc is easy, once you get the handle situated right. With the handle at a 4 o’clock position, the rifle should be free to swivel. Adjust the cant angle until your gun is positioned correctly for the terrain. Then just rotate the handle clockwise until you feel resistance. You can set the Pod-Loc so the rifle can still swivel a little with some effort, or you can crank the handle over farther to the left (clockwise) and effectively lock the unit in place. Once you’ve set the tension, the spring-loaded handle can be rotated out of the way without altering the tension setting. Just push the center button, pull straight back on the handle and swing it to 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock as you prefer. We advise doing this when you are carrying your rifle in the field.
Installation is a little time-consuming, but if you follow the instructions below, it shouldn’t be difficult. No special tools are required other than a pair of pliers, a flat-blade screwdriver, and a 1/4″ socket with driver. You really do need exactly the right socket however.
CLICK HERE for illustrated Pod-Loc Installation Instructions.
The Pod-Loc is available from Sinclair Int’l (item 04-140, $25.50), Brownells (item #100-000-326, $26.50), or you can buy direct from:
Terry Cross
KMW – Long Range Solutions
129 Fish Hatchery Road
Forest Hill, LA 71430
Phone: (318) 748-8732
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January 3rd, 2009
Now through the end of January, Midway has three items on sale that caught our attention.
Dewey 44″ Cleaning Rods for $25.99
First, MidwayUSA has marked down Dewey nylon-coated 44″ cleaning rods from $31.49 to $25.99. The sale price applies to both 22-26 caliber rods (item 971244), and 27-34 caliber rods (item 268904). For most target rifles, a Dewey rod is a very good choice when considering both price and performance. Dewey rods have nice handles, good bearings, and durable nylon covers. Plus Dewey stands behind its products. The 44″ length should work with barrels up to 28″ (without muzzle brake). Note, however, these rods have a male tip, so you’ll need an adapter (which Dewey provides) for use with male-threaded jags.
Lee Universal Decapping Die for $7.99
There are many situations when you may want to remove primers from fired brass without running them into a sizing die fitted with a decapping rod. We often do this with pistol brass that’s slated to be loaded in a progressive press. Popping the primers first allows you to clean and inspect the primer pockets before loading the brass — and it also reduces the effort to run the progressive. If your rifle brass is dirty, you may want to de-cap before sizing. Lee makes a simple, inexpensive decapping die that every reloader should have. It will quickly pop out a primer without touching the rest of the case. The Lee Universal Decapping Die will work with cartridges from 17 Fireball all the way up to 45-70. However, NOTE that the decapping pin supplied with this Lee die is TOO LARGE for LAPUA BR and PPC flash holes — you’ll need to either turn down the pin, or decap with a different tool for the Lapua cases with .059″ flash-holes. With the exception of those cases, the Lee decapping die works very well and it’s a bargain. This month at MidwayUSA it’s on sale for just $7.99 (item 136543).
Bore-Store Synthetic Fleece Storage Sacks
In this Editor’s opinion, Bore-Store storage bags are the best option on the market for storing rifles, shotguns, and pistols in a gun safe or storage cabinet. They are much less bulky than soft gun cases, so you can fit more guns in your safe. The thick, synthetic fleece pile cushions your gun, safeguarding against dings and scratches. The fabric is breathable, so moisture doesn’t collect on the gun, and the fabric is treated with silicone AND a rust inhibitor. I have Bore-Stores for every firearm in my collection. Over the years they have kept my rifles rust-free and protected fine metal and wood finishes from scratches. MidwayUSA now has a wide variety of Bore-Stores on sale. For example, the 46″ Scoped Rifle case (item 570-349) is marked down from $13.49 to $9.99. This will fit rifles with barrels up to 28″ and maybe 29″ with a little stretching. The 42″ AR15 Case (item 360-601) is marked down from $15.59 to $10.49. This case is extra-wide, with plenty of clearance for pistol grip and carry handle. Other Bore-Stores for handguns and shotguns are on sale through the end of January.
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January 3rd, 2009
When working on firearms, one is constantly in need of hex (allen) key wrenches in a variety of sizes, both metric and SAE (English). You can get a folding (swiss army knife-style) allen wrench set, but that may not give the reach you need and you can’t apply much torque. For heavier jobs, such as loosening heavily-torqued action screws, you’ll want a set of T-Handle wrenches.
Color-Coded 10-tool Hex Key Sets
Harbor Freight has attractively-priced hex key wrench sets in both metric and English (SAE) sizes. Each $5.99 set comes with a nice, powder-coated metal storage bracket with tool sizes clearly marked on the front. The handle tops are conveniently color-coded in bright primary colors, and key sizes are stamped in the handle. The color coding is really, really useful. For example, I know that a yellow (5mm) metric key works for the action screws on my Tikka, while a green (5/32″) SAE wrench fits the action screws on my Savage. A purple (1/8″) SAE key fits the door jam tensioner on my gun safe. It’s easy to look at the tool holder on my workbench and pick the right hex key.
The SAE Hex Key Set (item 37861-4VGA) contains 10 tools, 3/32″ to 3/8″. The Metric Hex Key Set (item 37862-4VGA) has 10 tools from 2mm to 10mm. The shanks are constructed from carbon steel. Each set is just $5.99.
This Editor has been using the Harbor Freight Hex Key Sets (both metric and SAE) for over a year now, and they have performed well. The handles haven’t slipped, the tips haven’t rounded off, and nothing has rusted. Now I wouldn’t use these bargain tools to wrench a race-car engine, but for simple around-the-house tasks they work fine. I also put the appropriate action-screw hex key(s) in my range kit whenever I go shooting. I really like fact that each tool size has a different color handle with the size stamped in the plastic. The mounting bracket is nicely made and clearly labeled. At $5.99 per set, it’s hard to beat this tool deal.
Torx T-Handle Wrench Set for Just $9.99
Harbor Freight also offers other budget-priced T-handle sets, including a 7-Piece T-Handle Torx Key Set containing T15, T20, T25, T30, T40, T45 and T50 Torx keys. Each key in this $9.99 set has two drive ends: one long to provide up to 25° tilt angle for access in hard-to-reach areas, and one short for extra rigidity under high loads.
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